Illustrating VanderMeer: A Pain in the Ass, But Someone Has to Do It
(The original hardcover dustjacket for the edition of City of Saints & Madmen that put me on the map; larger version here, with detail in my photostream.)
From the Plymouth State Library page (more info there):
Which came first; the story or the illustration? When you think about the illustrated stories that you’ve read, whether they have been in the form of a graphic novel, a picture book, or comic strip–you might ask yourself this question. In an exploration of the collaborative process between an illustrator and author, Plymouth State University presents Illustrating VanderMeer: a glimpse into the collaborative works of Author, Jeff VanderMeer and Illustrator, Eric Schaller, October 15 – November 23 at Lamson Library. Join us on November 23rd from 6pm – 7:30 pm for an event in the Commons Cafe, where you will have the opportunity to meet the author and illustrator and hear VanderMeer talk about, read from, and sign his recently published books Finch and Booklife. The PSU Bookstore will make copies of both books available for sale at this event.
October 2, 2009 at 10:35 pm
I’ve said it (here, even) before but I’ll say it again: without that cover I wouldn’t know your name. Whoever designed it deserves double whatever they got paid!
October 3, 2009 at 2:28 am
i love good artwork in a book…..the ambergris artwork is gorgeous…..
peace and love….
October 3, 2009 at 7:20 am
it was my idea, euph, as implemented by Garry Nurrish. took a lot of sweat to get it right.
October 3, 2009 at 10:52 am
It’s beautiful. Really ballsy. With the proper guidance, Garry Nurrish was black spot on. Now I want a copy of this edition! But alas, following a quick check of the prices, that seems unlikely. Oh well. I’ll say it again, though: really freaking beautiful.
October 3, 2009 at 11:30 am
yeah, we worked on it forever. stuff I wanted like the images on the spine proved easy. but running the text to either side of a central image took the most time. I changed the text working with garry so we could make it look good. idea was updated illuminated manuscript feel.